Second Typhoon on 'Operation Ellamy' deployment

Welcome to the latest edition of Corgi Die-cast Diaries, your regular blog review of all the news, updates and topical stories from the captivating world of Corgi die-cast model collecting.

This weekend sees the latest instalment of the Airshow phenomenon we all know as the Royal International Air Tattoo taking place and amongst the embarrassment of aviation riches calling RAF Fairford their temporary home for the next few days, one aircraft type will be represented in larger numbers than most others, not including aerobatic teams, the Eurofighter Typhoon. Now in service with five European nations and a further four a little further afield, the Typhoon is described as the world's most advanced swing role aircraft and is without doubt the most effective combat aircraft in current Royal Air Force inventory.

In this latest edition of the Corgi Die-cast Diaries blog, we will be taking a close look at our second 1/48th scale tribute to the Eurofighter Typhoon, a magnificent model which is a stunning tribute to this most capable aircraft and the first to feature a scheme finish found on an operationally deployed aircraft. Expected to be in our warehouse by the end of this month, we will be including a selection of exclusive images featuring an advanced production sample of this model and by way of an additional bonus for all those heading for RIAT over the weekend, this very model will be on display in the Corgi/Airfix marquee in all its die-cast glory, so why not pop along and meet this little beauty for the first time.

We also have news of a significant anniversary occasion for the Corgi blog and by way of celebration, will be including a little competition for your entertainment, with a rather edition suitable prize model up for grabs and awaiting our lucky winner. We're on Corgi time again this weekend, so why not avoid the forecast showers, stay indoors with a coffee and join us for our latest Corgi model project update.

Corgi team cleared for RIAT

Just like the Spanish Navy EAV-8B Harrier IIs, the Corgi events team will be in full effect at this year's Royal International Air Tattoo.

With its enduring reputation as the largest military Airshow in the world, for many aviation enthusiasts, the month of July is reserved for the Royal International Air Tattoo and an annual pilgrimage to the Cotswolds to enjoy an extravaganza of aviation like no other. In fact, for the duration of the show, RAF Fairford can boast one of the most powerful air forces in the world, one which would be the envy of most nations. With a two mile long showground and hundreds of static aircraft from all over the world to admire, RIAT is the annual treat enthusiasts simply can't refuse, the first event in their calendar every year and the place where aeroplanes and people come together for one incredible long weekend.

With so many aviation minded people on the same airfield for several consecutive days, RIAT is also one of the first events on the Corgi attendance list each year and we are delighted to confirm that for the second year running, the Corgi and Airfix marquee will be situated on the grass at the right hand end of the crowd line, close to the 'Meet the pilots' marquee. Our teams will be looking forward to meeting you all and as the 'big brand boss' will be there, please do tell him that you're an avid blog reader if you do meet him, just as a little favour to me. Unfortunately, I won't be there this year, however, we will have an exciting display of the latest/impending model releases for your inspection over the weekend and would love to hear your thoughts on all things Corgi.

By way of a Breaking News announcement, we can confirm that the Corgi display will include a model which has not yet been announced to the world, an inclusion which may come as a surprise to some, but hopefully a pleasant one for many. With a coordinated social media announcement scheduled for midday on Friday, if you make your way to the marquee first thing on Friday, you will steal the scoop from us and be able to see the new model prior to its official website unveiling. If you are heading down to RIAT, this is your opportunity to speak directly with our Head of Brand and quiz him on all things Corgi. If the weather isn't all that great, what better way could there be to while away a few interesting minutes than by talking diecast collecting with the Corgi man that can!

In all seriousness, if you are at RIAT and find yourself down at the right-hand end of the crowd line, please do pop in and meet members of our events team, who will be only too happy to speak with you and offer a little respite from the drizzle.

RAF Typhoon celebrates 20 years in service

An exclusive first look at an advanced production sample of the impending second release from our 1/48th scale Eurofighter Typhoon tooling.

Can it really be 20 years since the Eurofighter Typhoon entered Royal Air Force service? I remember being in a hugely expectant crowd at the Cosford Airshow for the Typhoon's first UK Airshow appearance on a typically grey afternoon and how that development aircraft, which had flown down from BAe Warton tore the skies up in full afterburner, announcing the arrival of the Typhoon era and how the crowd loved it. Since that time, the Typhoon has developed from agile interceptor fighter to a true multi-role aircraft, making the Typhoon one of the most capable and mission flexible modern combat aircraft platforms in service today. In fact, the Typhoons which still operate out of BAe Warton are currently engaged in developing the technologies which will equip the next generation of RAF aircraft, including the exciting new Tempest, a sixth generation fighter and the Typhoon's intended replacement.

From a Corgi diecast model collecting perspective, the Eurofighter Typhoon has been part of the Aviation Archive range since 2006, a 1/72nd scale tooling which went on to become a firm favourite with collectors. Things got really serious and much BIGGER last year, with the arrival of our first Typhoon in 1/48th scale, a magnificent model which is unquestionably the finest diecast representation of this current Royal Air Force warhorse. 

We are delighted to confirm that the second release from this hugely impressive tooling is now on the verge of being release and presents the Typhoon in RAF No.IX Squadron markings, those worn by an aircraft engaged in undertaking the first combat deployment of Britain's Typhoon. In marked contrast to the rather clean appearance of the Battle of Britain 75th anniversary display jet from 2015 which preceded it, this second Typhoon is fully 'tooled up' and ready to cause some havoc. 

Eurofighter Typhoon FGR.4 ZJ935/DJ, RAF No.XI Squadron, 'Operation Ellamy', deployed to Gioia del Colle Air Base, Italy, 2011.

Now a familiar sight in Britain's skies, the Eurofighter Typhoon is the RAF's current airspace defender and whilst the aircraft entered squadron service in back in 2006 as a dedicated air superiority fighter, this fourth generation combat aircraft has gone on to prove itself to be much more than this. Now described as the world's most advanced swing-role combat aircraft, the Typhoon has developed into a true multi-role aircraft and arguably one of the most effective combat aircraft in service today, equally adept at undertaking reconnaissance and precision ground strike missions as it is at chasing off the latest Russian aircraft incursion into British airspace. Forming the backbone of the modern Royal Air Force, the Typhoon has been continually upgraded throughout its service life and is a far more capable aircraft today than the one which first arrived at RAF Coningsby back in 2006.

In early 2010, ten Typhoons from RAF No.XI Squadron were sent to operate from Gioia del Colle Air Base in Southern Italy as part of 'Operation Ellamy', Britain's contribution to Operation Unified Protector, an international effort to enforce a United Nations resolution to protect the citizens of Libya during a bitter civil war in the country. The Typhoon's initial task was to help enforce a blanket no-fly zone, with coalition aircraft threatening to shoot down any unidentified aircraft in the zone, effectively crippling the Libyan military from mounting operations which may result in civilian casualties. Ellamy would be the first time the Typhoon had been deployed in an operational role and on 21st March 2011, RAF Typhoons completed their first combat mission, patrolling the no-fly zone in a show of strength which kept the Libyan Air Force firmly on the ground.

A further selection of images showing this stunning 'armed to the teeth' RAF Typhoon in Operation Ellamy configuration, starting with the artwork file used to produce the model's distinctive box artwork.

Much of the early coalition air force effort was directed towards suppressing Libyan air defences and their command and control infrastructure, whilst dedicated interceptor aircraft mounted Combat Air Patrols to ensure the security of aircraft involved in those ground operations. It soon became clear to Libyan officials that mounting air operations in the face of such a powerful opposing force was futile at best and with negligible threat to coalition aircraft, the RAF's Typhoons soon converted to an air to ground role. Working in tandem with Tornado GR.4 aircraft, the Typhoons performed their new role with distinction, with the 12th April 2011 marking the aircraft's first operational use in a ground attack role, as aircraft launched strikes against Libyan armour.

The RAF's Tornados and Typhoons performed the strike role working in unison, with the more capable radar and communications technology of the Typhoon allowing their pilots to link with the Tornadoes and harness the awesome attack capabilities of this proven performer. With Tornado crews being extremely proficient in this tactical strike environment, they were able to support Typhoon pilots who were using their aircraft in this role for the very first time.

Whilst engaged in these tandem strike operations, the reduced air threat now facing Operation Ellamy Typhoons often allowed them to carry a reduced number of air to air missiles, a weight saving measure which preserved fuel and shortened turnaround times, whilst the aircraft were hauling heavy precision guided munitions. Often carrying just a single AMRAAM on the front port station, these aircraft would also carry up to four Paveway laser-guided bombs in what not only proved to be an effective show of force for coalition air power, but also clearly highlighted the continuing maturity of the RAF's Typhoon as one of the world's premier combat aircraft.

A final selection of Typhoon images, first showing the full box artwork presentation accompanying the release of this new model, followed by two further views of the advanced production sample model.

Royal Air Force Typhoons would perform impressively during their Operation Ellamy deployment, with aircraft conducting 578 sorties between March 2011 and their eventual withdrawal the following September, flying more than 3,000 hours in the process. In the ground attack role, they would release 234 'Smart Bombs' on targets ranging from armoured vehicles to command and control installations, working seamlessly with the Tornado crews who were well versed in undertaking these types of missions. 

In an ever evolving operational environment, the retirement of the RAF's Tornado force in 2019 brought about the transferal of ground attack responsibilities to the Eurofighter Typhoon and whilst this move clearly underlined the wider operational effectiveness of the aircraft, it did also place additional strain on the aircraft currently in RAF service. As a true multi-role aircraft, the Typhoon now has even greater responsibilities than it did during its time serving during 'Operation Ellamy', however, as it's now able to wield an incredible array of offensive weaponry, in addition to patrolling Britain's skies, the Typhoon can also claim to be a formidable air to ground platform. 

A stunning second release from our 1/48th scale Eurofighter Typhoon FGR.4 tooling, this 'Operation Ellamy' ground attacking aircraft is scheduled for release towards the end of this month and is being exclusively shown here in advanced production sample form. It's almost double trouble time for the 1/48th scale Corgi Typhoon.

Corgi competition time.

The die-cast delight awaiting the lucky winner of our blog 8th anniversary competition - good luck to all who enter.

This latest edition of Die-cast Diaries marks quite a landmark for the Corgi blog, as it's almost exactly eight years to the day since we published our very first blog. Back then, our intention was to post regular updates from all the latest ongoing model projects in a regular, on-line magazine format, informing all our collectors about the latest developments much earlier than had been the case in years past. This gave us the opportunity to view new tooling projects throughout their development journey, from initial announcement, to eventual release, keeping collectors informed on all the latest information from the Corgi offices, bringing our readers plenty of image exclusives along the way.

Since that first blog, we have been humbled by the unwavering support the blog has received and many people reading this latest anniversary update edition will probably have been with us right from the start and each and every one of us here at Corgi would like to extend our sincere thanks to you all. Of course, in recent times, the blog has increased publication frequency to one every two weeks and whilst we don't intend to change that again any time soon, we do have some ambitious plans moving forward and some exciting changes coming towards the end of the year. We will keep you fully informed on what you can expect when we have more details to share, but until then, can we just take this final opportunity to thank you for your fantastic support over the past eight years.

As we all know, you can't have an anniversary edition of the blog without including a competition, so here is one lucky reader's chance to own an example of the model of the moment, the second release from our spectacular 1/48th scale Eurofighter Typhoon tooling. As described above, this particular release presents the Typhoon in combat deployment configuration, 'fully loaded' with offensive ordnance to allow the aircraft to display its true multi-role capabilities. With RAF Typhoon undertaking both air supremacy and precision ground strike missions during 'Operation Ellamy', this aircraft is configured to deliver its laser guided munitions on strategic targets, but with the ability to defend itself should any enemy aircraft be foolish enough to challenge it. This 'fully tooled up' Typhoon looks magnificent and could hardly be more different in appearance than the model which preceded it.

So, now on to the important issue at hand - how can you be in with a chance of winning this model? As the competition is linked to the 8th anniversary of Die-cast Diaries, we really did think our question should be blog related, and came up with this:

Going back to the first edition of Die-cast Diaries for this year, what was the first new tooling project we informed readers about in that particular blog? 

We're not giving any further clues with this one, however, if you head to our main blog hub, you will be able to visit the edition in question and find all the information you need - the prize will mean so much more to you if you’ve had to put in a little bit of work in to get it.  

Please e-mail your entries to diecastdiaries@corgi.co.uk, with DCD Anniversary Comp as your message title and please include your name. Our winner will be notified by e-mail once they have been selected, when we can also obtain delivery information to have your prize model sent to you.

Closing date for the competition is midnight on 27th July 2023.

In the unlikely event that our winner doesn't reply to our confirmation e-mail, we will make two further attempts, however, if after 14 days of non-reply to the original notification e-mail we still haven't heard from our initial winner, we reserve the right to void that entry and offer the prize to another entrant. All competition T&Cs can be found at the foot of this post.

Now that boring stuff's out of the way, the very best of luck to all who enter.

We're afraid that's all we have for you in this latest edition of Corgi Die-cast Diaries but we will be back as usual in two weeks' time with a further selection of model project updates for your delectation. Between editions, we are always interested to hear your views on all things Corgi, so if you feel like dropping us a line to comment on anything blog, collecting or Corgi model related, or even to suggest a topic you might like to see us cover in a future edition, please do drop us a line at diecastdiaries@corgi.co.uk.

If you can’t wait for the next blog, you will find plenty of Corgi model collecting discussions taking place on our official social media channels, access to which can be obtained by clicking on the respective links at the foot of the Corgi website homepage. 

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Thank you for continuing to support our Die-cast Diaries blog. Our next edition is scheduled for publication on Friday 28th July.

The Corgi Team

Competition Terms & Conditions

·  By entering the competition, you are consenting to receive email communications from Hornby Hobbies Ltd. You can unsubscribe from these communications at any time. 
·  You must be aged 16 or over to enter the competition.
·  Prize package can only be despatched to a UK address.
·  The Promoter takes no responsibility for entries which are not received. 
·  The prize promotion is not open to employees of Hornby Hobbies or of any subsidiary or associated company of Hornby Hobbies or to employees’ family members. 
·  Any entries submitted by agents or third parties will be invalid and will not be accepted by the Promoter.
·  Our winners will be selected at random. 
·  The prize is not transferable and there is no cash alternative. 
·  The name and town of residence of the winner may be displayed on the Hornby Hobbies website or social media channels.
·  Losing entries will not receive any notification. 
·  Prizes will be sent within 14 days of the winner being contacted. 
·  The decision of the Promoter is final and binding and no correspondence will be entered into regarding the outcome of the prize promotion. 
·  The Promoter reserves the right to cancel or amend the terms of this prize promotion at any time without prior notice. Any changes will be posted within the rules on the site. 
·  Entry constitutes acceptance of these terms and conditions. 
·  No purchase necessary
The competition winner will be contacted by e-mail within 7 days of the closing date.